With better success the responsibility was tendered to the Woman's Relief Corps, which felt that if there is a place on God's earth that should be held sacred, it is that prison pen. The officials accepted the obligation, trusting to woman's patriotism for support and care, and they have not trusted in vain. The adage that "God helps those who help themselves" has been true in our case. When we accepted the sacred trust and looked the ground over, I found a large corner of the original pen and three forts we did not own. We bought the extra grounds and the forts, paying for them several hundred dollars more than they were worth. We ventured for all or nothing--and _all_ it was. This occurred in 1895, and in that year I was elected President of the W. R. C. At the convention we raised by personal contributions $700 as a beginning. During several years each member was asked to give from three to five cents; some responding, others refusing. Now all bills are paid from the general fund of the National organization. We own eighty-eight and one-half acres of land, including the seven forts; all the earthworks and rifle pits; also the wells dug by the men in trying to reach water. These are in as perfect condition as when the war closed. Not a well has caved in or a fort changed in shape. That hard, red clay seems as unyielding as stone. The grounds are inclosed with a high wire fence and suitable gates. Roads are laid out and bridges built over the creek. Bermuda grass roots planted on the north side will make an even lawn. Grass seed for a sward will not germinate in that soil. We have built over Providence Spring a stone pavilion, also a nine-room house, well furnished, and after the northern home pattern. We also have a barn, a henyard, a good mule and all kinds of work tools for such a place. We engage an old veteran and his wife as caretakers. From a pole 116 feet high floats in the air every day the flag those heroes died to save. At our last convention we voted to build a windmill the coming winter. Last fall we set out 300 roses and this autumn will add 200 more. We have also set out 150 four-year-old pecan trees that are from 10 to 15 feet high. They do finely in that soil and when from ten to twelve years old will bear a paying crop. A freeze does not affect them and they are marketable without decaying. Ohio, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Michigan have put up beautiful monuments in the prison pen. Wisconsin will have hers ready to dedicate on next Memorial Day. Pennsylvania, Iowa and Maine have placed monuments in the cemetery. All this has been done through the work of the W. R. C. While I believe the prison pen is the _only_ place for the monuments, I am thankful to have any State remember their Andersonville men wherever they think best. "Death Before Dishonor" is the motto on all the monuments within the prison grounds.